Josh Smith Hints At End To Tenure With Hawks

After getting booed in Friday’s elimination loss to the Pacers, Josh Smith said he wants to “experience free agency” and didn’t sound eager to re-sign with the Hawks. Smith will be looking for a max contract, and it’s doubtful that he’ll get it from the Hawks. From the AJC: “When the cameras were turned off and almost everybody, Josh Smith said what he really thought. Of course he knew this was probably it. ‘As I walked off the court, everything just sort of hit me,’ the Hawks’ forward said late Friday night. ‘Just the uncertainty of what the future holds. Just thinking about all of the relationships I’ve had here and the people who’ve crossed my path since I’ve been here. I just … I just don’t know.’ Does he want to come back? ‘The only thing I know is I want to be able to experience free agency. I want to explore my options and see what’s out there. I don’t have any certain idea what’s going to happen.’ He didn’t sound like a guy eager to return. The fact most in attendance Friday night didn’t sound eager for him to be back — screaming the usual ‘Nooooooooos!’ when he pulled up for jumpers and booed when he missed — speaks volumes about the situation.”